On August 14, 2018, the Ponte Morandi in Genoa collapsed, causing the death of 43 people. Almost eight years later, on Thursday July 16, 2026, the Court of Genoa is set to deliver its first-instance verdict in one of the most significant trials in recent Italian history. The proceedings comprised 284 hearings and involved 57 defendants. The Prosecution requested nearly 400 years of prison collectively, including 18 years and 6 months for former Autostrade CEO Giovanni Castellucci.

On the eve of the verdict, Autostrade per l'Italia CEO Arrigo Giana published an open letter in the newspaper Corriere della Sera, offering apologies for the tragedy. Giana spoke of "indelible wounds" caused by "the actions and choices of some" and stated that Aspi "is different from what it was then." The timing of the letter, coming shortly before the verdict, has drawn attention.

Relatives of the victims reacted with disappointment. Several family members stated they were "dumbfounded" by the apology and called for concrete actions rather than words.

Cesare Cerulli, son of Andrea Cerulli, one of the 43 victims, shared his perspective ahead of the hearing. He was ten years old when his father died in the collapse. Cesare stated that he does not feel resentment but seeks justice and planned to attend the courtroom for the first time.